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Colicky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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colicky

[ˈkɒlɪki ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Colicky refers to severe, intermittent pain that typically originates from the abdomen or pelvis. It is often associated with spasms in the muscles of the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and distress. This term is frequently used to describe pain experienced by infants due to gastrointestinal issues.

Synonyms

crampy, intermittent, spasmodic.

Examples of usage

  • The baby was colicky and cried for hours.
  • Patients with colicky pain often struggle to find a comfortable position.
  • She described the colicky episodes as unbearable.
  • Colicky symptoms can indicate a blockage in the intestines.

Translations

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Origin of 'colicky'

The term 'colicky' is derived from the word 'colic', which has its origins in the late Middle English period, around the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin 'colica', which means 'pain in the colon', and from the Greek word 'kōlikos', referring to the colon. The prefix 'col-' is related to the Greek word 'kolon', meaning 'large intestine'. Colic was historically used to describe various types of abdominal pain, and over time, the adjective 'colicky' emerged to characterize the specific nature of the pain as being spasmodic and intermittent. Although it initially referred mainly to gastrointestinal discomfort in adults, medical professionals began applying it particularly to describe similar conditions in infants, highlighting the commonality of colicky symptoms among young children. Today, 'colicky' is commonly used in both medical contexts and everyday language to denote the troubling and often distressing pain experienced in the abdomen.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,666 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.